IPL 2026 Auction: Matheesha Pathirana finds new home! KKR shells out INR 18 crore for 'Baby Malinga'

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :December 16, 2025 at 4:34 PM

Modified at :December 16, 2025 at 5:04 PM

IPL 2026 Auction: Matheesha Pathirana finds new home! KKR shells out INR 18 crore for 'Baby Malinga'

Matheesha Pathirana had a base price of INR 2 crore in IPL 2026 auction.

Matheesha Pathirana was captured by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction on Tuesday, December 18. The Sri Lankan pacer had a base price of INR 2 crore, but was sold at a whopping amount of INR 18 crore in the auction which is underway in Abu Dhabi.

Since his debut in the 2022 edition, the Sri Lankan pacer was part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He was backed by the five-time champions till IPL 2025, playing a total of 32 matches. At a wonderful economy of 8.68 and an average of 21.62, he has picked 47 scalps in the tournament so far. He also played a key role in franchise winning the IPL 2023, where he picked 19 wickets.

Ahead of IPL 2026 auction, CSK parted ways with the Sri Lankan pacer, but were expected to get him back. However, KKR went heavy for him and shelled out INR 18 crore to acquire his services.

Matheesha Pathirana to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026

Matheesha Pathirana, MS Dhoni, CSK, IPL — Matheesha Pathirana, MS Dhoni. (Image Source: IPL)

Delhi Capitals opened the bidding for Matheesha Pathirana at INR 2 crore and then were involved in a bidding war with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) till 15.80 crore. It was then that KKR stepped in and acquired his services for INR 18 crore, making him the second most expensive player of IPL 2026 auction.

Matheesha Pathirana has been one of the best death bowlers in the IPL over the last few years. Him getting released by CSK was one of the shocking moments in the league as he has carried their bowling lineup for the last few years.

However, now that him moving to KKR means that he will be leading the pace bowling attack along with Harshit Rana. His presence makes KKR extremely strong in the bowling as they eye their fourth title in the league.

Matheesha Pathirana was picked by which team in IPL 2026 auction?

Matheesha Pathirana was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 18 crore in IPL 2026 auction.

Matheesha Pathirana was part of which team in IPL 2025?

Matheesha Pathirana was part of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.